Heel Pain in Kids? It Might Be Sever’s Disease

Heel Pain in Kids? It Might Be Sever’s Disease

‍As a podiatrist, one of the most common heel pain conditions I see in growing children and adolescents—especially those involved in sports—is Sever’s Disease.

Despite the name, it’s not actually a disease. Rather, it’s an overuse injury affecting the growth plate in the heel. Understanding this condition can help parents and young athletes manage symptoms effectively and prevent long-term issues.

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‍What Is Sever’s?

‍Sever’s, or calcaneal apophysitis, is inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. In children, the heel bone is still developing and has a growth plate that is vulnerable to stress. When repetitive stress or tension is placed on this area, it can become irritated and inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort—especially during or after physical activity.

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‍What Causes Sever’s?

‍The condition is most common in physically active children aged 8–14, during periods of rapid growth. Several factors contribute to the onset:

• Repetitive Impact: Sports that involve running and jumping (e.g., Footy, basketball, gymnastics).
• Tight Achilles Tendons: Can pull on the heel and irritate the growth plate.
• Flat Feet or High Arches: Certain biomechanical factors can increase stress on the heel.
• Inadequate Footwear: Poor shock absorption or unsupportive shoes can worsen symptoms.
• Growth Spurts: Sudden bone growth can outpace the muscles and tendons, causing tightness and tension on the heel.
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What are the Symptoms?

‍The hallmark symptom is heel pain, typically at the back or bottom of the heel. Key signs include:

• Pain during or after activity, especially running or jumping
• Limping or toe-walking to avoid putting pressure on the heel
• Tenderness at the back of the heel when squeezed
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Treatment and Recovery

‍Fortunately, Sever’s will resolve once the growth plate closes (usually by age 15). However, there are still things we can do to manage the symptoms whilst kids are going through this phase.  Treatment is essential to manage pain and keep kids active. Here’s what I typically recommend:

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• Rest & Load Management: Reduce or manage the loads of high-impact sports temporarily.
• Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the heel after activity to reduce inflammation.
• Stretching: Focus on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles to relieve tension.
• Supportive Footwear: Choose well-cushioned shoes
• Heel Cups or Orthotics: Custom or over-the-counter inserts can help absorb shock and correct alignment.
• Physical Therapy: In some cases, guided exercises can speed up recovery and prevent recurrence.
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Final Thoughts

‍Having suffered from this myself, I understand that Sever’s is painful, albeit manageable with early intervention. If your child complains of heel pain that worsens with activity, don’t necessarily dismiss it as growing pains—a podiatric assessment can make all the difference. With the right care, young athletes can get back to doing what they love—pain-free.

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